04/23/2013

We hope and encourage all eligible voters here in Massachusetts to Vote this coming Tuesday April 30th for Stephen Lynch for US Senator.

As we watched the TV democratic senatorial debate Monday night on WBZ we watched hoping we would get life even a spark out of someone in this so boring a campaign, and in our opinion we thankfully did. Stephen Lynch was clearly the winner as the Democratic Independent voice that we need in Washington DC., Lynch constantly put Ed Markey on the spot for his far left extremist votes against Homeland Security. Ed Markey, who has spent his entire adult life in politics and about 30 years now in Congress, runs on the strict party line, still blaming Bush for everything. No wonder he’s the poster child who was handpicked by the Democratic Party bosses and elitist down in Washington DC. that has chosen Markey as the heir to Sen. Kerry’s vacant seat. We hope the people and voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a whole vote this coming Tuesday for Stephen Lynch.

You may not agree with us, but we think that our best chance to get things moving down in Washington is to send a message that the elitist democratic bosses doesn’t hand pick and decide who can run in Massachusetts, the voters will decide. We think Stephen Lynch is the real deal, a family man who was brought up like most of us, poor and although we might not have known it, we worked hard for what we have, and so didn’t Stephen Lynch. Stephen, grew up in the projects of South Boston, was a union worker for 18 years and you’ve seen the commercials he attended Law school nights and works hard every day to represent his district. Just like our own Congressman and former Mayor Mike Capuano doesn’t forget where he comes from, neither does Cong. Stephen Lynch who still lives in South Boston and is home here in the district every week and knows how and what we feel. We hope and encourage that you go out and Vote this coming Tuesday, it’s not going to be a crowd at the polls, maybe take you about 10 minutes out of your way, but this election is crucial to all of us in Massachusetts. Vote Stephen Lynch for US Senator and we will have a strong voice and independent one when it pertains to issues of our state and city, first. We proudly say and stand that we here in the commonwealth agree with his commercials "I am Stephen Lynch" and "we are Stephen Lynch".

04/13/2013

Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine hasannounced the appointment of Ted Fields as theEconomic Development Planner for the Town of Arlington. Mr. Fields begins hisappointment on April 29th. Reporting to the Director of Planning andCommunity Development, the Economic Development Planner works in collaborationwith the Arlington Redevelopment Board and Planning Department to coordinatethe implementation of economic development priorities as identified in Townplans and policies.

“I ampleased that Mr. Fields has accepted the appointment of Arlington’s EconomicDevelopment Planner,” said Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine. “Ted bringsa depth of economic development and community planning experience. He issomeone who knows the Arlington community due to his service on the ARB andbeing an Arlington resident. We are fortunate to have Ted continue the economicdevelopment momentum that has been achieved in recent months.”

Mr. Fields was selected from a pool of 60applicants who applied to the position. Members of the selection team were:Arlington Director of Planning and Community Development, Carol Kowalski; Townof Lexington Economic Development Director and Arlington resident MelisaTintocalis; and Arlington Human Resources Director, Caryn Malloy. The searchteam unanimously recommended Mr. Fields to Chapdelaine for the position.

“Weare excited to begin working with Mr. Fields in this capacity,” said CarolKowalski, Director of Planning and Community Development. “Ted has alreadyshown tremendous value as a member of Arlington’s Redevelopment Board and I amconfident he will be a tremendous asset as the Master Planning process gets underway.”

Mr.Fields has extensive experience in Community Development, Economic Development,management of CDBG and HOME programs in Massachusetts, including posts inFramingham, Waltham, Cambridge, and Newton. He was instrumental in achieving adesignated “Main Streets” downtown revitalization effort implemented inFramingham.

Mr. Fields holds a Bachelor of Science with aMajor in Urban and Region Studies from Cornell University and Master ofRegional Planning from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Mr. Fields has formally resigned from the ARB.His last meeting with the Board was April 8th.

04/11/2013

A Design Public Hearing will be held by MassDOT to discuss the proposed safety andmobility improvements at Massachusetts Avenue, Pleasant Street, and MysticStreet in Arlington. The meeting will be held on April 23, at 7 p.m. atArlington Town Hall. The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public withthe opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed intersection modifications.All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered tothe maximum extent possible. The proposed project will consist ofreconstructing the intersection and providing a connection for the MinutemanBikeway through the intersection. The project will incorporate designatedroadway facilities for cyclists as well as traffic signal and pavement markingimprovements for vehicles and pedestrians. You can read the full notice andview conceptual and technical plans for the Arlington Center Safe TravelProject online at arlingtonma.gov/dpwprojects.

04/08/2013

On Friday April 5th at approximately 11:00 am the Arlington Police Department with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team attemped to recover a firearm that was allegedly thrown into the Mystic River in the area of the Mystic Valley Parkway and River Street Bridge.

(Arlington MA) On Monday April 1, 2013 the Arlington Police Department hosted an Area Wide Detectives Meeting in an effort to identify possible suspects involved in the numerous house breaks occurring in Arlington and surrounding communities. In attendance were thirty local Detectives and Crime Analysts who shared crime data and suspect information with the goal of combining resources to solve this string of crimes.

Later that day, house breaks occurred in Arlington and Lexington. A witness in Lexington was able to identify a gray Audi as being involved in the crime. Earlier during the meeting local Detectives had identified Azad Terzian of Watertown as a suspect who is known to drive an Audi. With this information Officers were able to locate and stop Terzian in Belmont. After positive witness identification Terzian was placed under arrest without incident. During an inventory of Terzian’s vehicle items from the house break in Lexington were recovered.

"We are alleging that this suspect and his accomplices have played a major role in the recent spike of residential burglaries throughout the region and we are happy that he has been apprehended," said Chief Frederick Ryan. "Crime analysis, teamwork, and a regional approach to criminal investigations paid off in this instance."

The Arlington Police Criminal Investigation Bureau is currently investigating several possible suspects including Azad Terzian for recent house breaks in our community. We continue to ask for your help with this problem. Please promptly report suspicious activity, vehicles or people in your neighborhood using the 911 emergency lines. If residents have information regarding any of these past crimes or if you have witnessed suspicious activity please contact the Arlington Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 781-316-3938

04/07/2013

“I agree with President Obama’s goal of ensuring that Social Security will be there for our current retirees, as well as future generations. But chained CPI would limit cost of living adjustments for retirees, and hurt seniors who must pay for costly medical care. We simply cannot increase the cost burden for seniors.

The President's budget is a starting point, and I'm eager to work with him and my colleagues in Congress to pass a budget that addresses these problems the right way.

As I discussed last month, I believe we must focus on the way Social Security is funded. In 1983, 90% of wages in this country were subject to the Social Security tax. As a result, this critical safety net was on more solid footing. But despite an explosion in wages for the wealthiest 1% of Americans over the last 30 years, funding for Social Security has not kept pace. We have been raising the cap in small increments, but it’s not enough. The Chief Actuary of Social Security estimates that, to get back to the 90% rates we had under President Reagan, the cap should be raised to $214,500. Until we get that cap up, the burden for funding Social Security will continue to fall disproportionally on the middle class and lower income earners.

Chained CPI won’t help working people. Getting funding levels back to where they were 30 years ago will help ensure that the promise of Social Security can be kept for future generations.”

QUINCY – Congressman Stephen Lynch said today that he was proud to have the support of United Steel Workers Local 12003 members in Massachusetts.

“Local 12003 has been tremendous in their support of me,” Lynch said. “The men and women of USW are on the ground here in Massachusetts, and have been working on my behalf since this campaign began. They know I will stand with them in the United States Senate.”

“As members of the United Steel Workers, we are proud to stand with Steve Lynch,” said Joe Kirylo, president of USW 12003, the largest gas local in New England. “Our local endorsed Elizabeth Warren before the USW, and this time we know Steve Lynch is the guy. We are here on the ground seeing the work he has done locally. Steve Lynch knows where we come from, and he is the guy who can best represent us in the Senate.”

BOSTON – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today responded to the Joint House and Senate Leadership transportation proposal, making clear that the proposal does not meet the immediate or long-term needs of the Commonwealth. The Governor discussed how together, with the Legislature, the Administration has built a track record of reforms and policies that will leave a stronger Commonwealth for future generations, and that he cannot support this bill, as is, which puts off necessary investments in our transportation and education system.

Remember back to 2008 when a gallon of gasoline hit $ 4.00? Well, it’s happening again. Today, a barrel of crude is trading for about $ 106.00, that’s about equal to the annual average back just four years ago. This translates into significantly higher costs for gasoline, diesel, and home heating fuels for each of us.

Energy costs are on the rise once again!!

At the pumps the average price for mid-grade gasoline is $ 3.79 a gallon. Running diesel in your vehicle? It could cost as much as $ 4.20. If you’re heating the homestead with oil, a 100 gallon minimum fill at $370.00 is so pain full that when the oilman drops the slip in your mail slot it causes a chill to run up your spine! A gallon of regular gas for your car runs about even with a gallon of home heating fuel oil at $ 3.70 a gallon.

No matter what the case, it’s getting more expensive to get to work, heat hot water, or keep your home warm. Even our electric bills, and groceries, will suffer an increase due to the fuel surcharges in the near future.

Everyone recognizes that affordable energy is the main driver of the worlds’ industry. What a way to put the “kibosh” on a recovering economy.

The $64,000.00 question is………….. WHY?

The oil market supply appears to be somewhat stable. We won the war in the Middle East and paid the price with American blood. You remember the food for oil program policy with Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Well, the Bush administration sold us the blood for oil policy. However, we literally got the shaft, not the oil.

So, why is this happening to the U.S.? Were we duped? YOU DECIDE.

In any regard, it’s fruitless to assess the blame for higher fuel costs on any single particular reason including political inadequacy. Let’s fast forward to today before I become ill.

Who, or what may be the culprit for these spikes in Americas’ fuel prices, is irrelevant. More importantly, we need to understand the variables within the issue. How can individuals help reignite stability in the market?

First, there are certain facts that need be recognized as fundamental truths. To fully discuss each and every aspect of this complicated issue in less than one thousand words is impossible. Without a doubt, most tempers won't allow the long read on this matter! Let us try to simply and ‘cut to the chase’ capturing the main theme.

Many Americans vent their anger upon the major oil producing countries, referred to as OPEC. This acronym stands for the ‘Organization for thePetroleum Exporting Countries’. The organization is comprised of 12 countries, mainly located in the Middle East. The organizations’ leaders meet twice a year in Vienna, Austria, to discuss their strategy within world oil market.

OPEC’s main objective is to determine the volume of the ‘supply side’ crude oil market for the next year. By keeping the market slightly ‘choked off’, it keeps the price of the ‘black gold’ highly stable, and valuable.

It should be noted, that OPEC only speaks for approximately 50% of the worlds’ crude. Other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the U.S. and many others, make up the difference in production of the world crude oil supplies.

Remember, OPEC does not set the daily market price. However, if OPEC is placing limitations on production, does this cause the price to climb?

The ’supply side’ economic theory impacts the full market. Americans should ponder the question……. Is the United States winning the incidental costly physical battles of the world, only destined to lose the larger economic war?

In the next segment, we continue the discussion on the expanding oil market in China, a weakened US Dollar, and role of the European Union in this picture.

Bill Dyer of Cubby Oil Company

THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

In the first segment, of this outline, we laid a foundation of how ’supply side’ economics impacts the full market. This next piece shall attempt to outline the evolution of the new world energy market.

Why does the United States continue to unilaterally financially support the costly physical battles throughout the world and protect the foreign oil market??

Should we possibly modify our foreign policies to blend within this new introduction, of the EU, China, India, and the Middle East, and discontinue playing the role of the ‘big brother’?

Let’s refocus on the main issue of change within the marketplace. It may help us answer all of those questions. Fossil fuels are sold on the open world market. Oil is traded in the term of ‘barrels’. The price is mainly set by three of the largest stock exchanges in the world. They are the New York, London, & the Singapore stock exchanges.Remember, it’s a commodity traded daily, so the price constantly fluctuates.

Add into the stew a quick note about the role of something called ‘oil futures’ in the game. These are a sort of ‘wild card’. Oil future contracts hedge an investors bet within the market place. Like a Las Vegas long shot, such a wager can handsomely pay out to the investor. Some believe this type of oil guessing game should be illegal. It’s no secret, oil futures can cause havoc in the market place by falsely inflating the commodity with an aurora of an ‘artificial demand’.

The open market is also affected by world many conditions. Occasionally, a catastrophe like the British Petroleum accident in the gulf, severe weather events, conflict in the oil producing regions, or just plain Wall Street greed, can upset the marketplace by choking supply lines.

Today, the benchmark currency for trading in the oil market has always been the U.S. dollar. Due to the weakening value of the U.S. dollar there have been numerous discussions to tie the international oil market into another currency such as the Euro. However, this idea has yet to sell well! Unfortunately, the European Community is also struggling within the re-stabilization scene of the worlds’ economy. In addition, the EU has complicated financial issues within Greece, Italy, & Spain.

Plus, don’t forget that for decades the Europeans have been paying dearly for energy.They well understand the high cost of energy. For instance, today a gallon of petrol in the U.K is roughly $ 6.25. Now compare this to the price of $ 3.60 for an equal gallon in Boston, MA.

The U.S. dollar still appears to be crude oils’ safest bet on world trading table. Once the U.S. deficit is under control the energy roller coaster ride may even out.

Let’s keep going adding a little salt. Complicate this stew with China in the marketplace. Only a few decades ago, the Chinese used bicycles and rickshaws on dirt paths…….. using little energy. China has nearly completed the largest highway system in the world. It has accomplished this great feat in less than 20 years, less than half the time the U.S. took to build our interstate highway system. What happens once the general billion plus population starts buying automobiles to use those roads? This new major market demand factor has yet to be fully entered into the equation.

China, once the 5th largest consumer of energy, is now it is just behind the United States in energy consumption. With all its economic growth China will soon to surpass the U.S. position of causing world energy costs to skyrocket out of control.

China is a major player in this mess.

We all studied economics 101. Some of us may have slept during the main portion of the course. However, we all seem to remember the basic principles of ‘supply & demand’ side commodity economics.

What happens once we calculate the high demand of a new player, namely China? Is the energy market headed for the ultimate crash?

Maybe Americans should listen to the Bob Marley song, “Don’t worry… be happy”, while paying $ 7.50 a gallon for gasoline.

Sorry, its’ not doing it for me!!!

Houston we have a problem, but all is not lost. In the final segment, we can start the discussion on a potential first step fix.

HOLYOKE – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today toured the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to highlight the Patrick-Murray Administration’s continued commitment to supporting Massachusetts veterans. Lieutenant Governor Murray was joined on today’s visit by Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) Secretary Coleman Nee for a meeting with Superintendent Paul Barabani and Board Chair Steve Como, followed by a tour of the facility.

“Massachusetts is proud to support and honor all of our veterans,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, Chair of the Governor’s Council on Veterans’ Services. “The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home provides critical services for veterans throughout western Massachusetts and we’re committed to working with them and all providers to ensure veterans receive the high quality care and benefits they deserve.”

Governor Deval Patrick’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget includes an increase in funding by nearly 7 percent for veterans’ services and 3.3 percent for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Last month, Governor Patrick also filed a capital supplemental bill and a series of multi-year bond bills that will support the FY2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan. The plan continues the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to grow jobs and economic opportunity through strategic investments in the Commonwealth's infrastructure. If passed by the legislature, the Administration will have the authorization to consider funding future projects at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. All projects would be eligible for federal funding matches of 65 percent if approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and DVS are beginning a study to be completed in 2013 which will consider all options for potential renovations and expansion of services.

"I am proud to be part of an Administration that leads the nation in its support of those who serve our country," said EOHHS Secretary John Polanowicz. "The Patrick-Murray Administration has consistently made veterans and military families a priority, as exhibited in Governor Patrick’s budget, in which veteran’s services would see an increase in funding to ensure that every generation of Massachusetts’ veterans has access to the benefits they deserve.”

Over the last six years, the Patrick-Murray Administration has increased funding for the Department of Veterans’ Services and Soldiers’ Homes in Holyoke and Chelsea by 47 percent or $42.5 million. This increased funding supports care and services for the rising number of veterans and their families in Massachusetts.

"The Patrick-Murray Administration has continued to keep veterans issues at the forefront," said Secretary Nee. "I look forward to working closely with Superintendent Barabani to ensure the Holyoke Soldiers Home is providing the finest services to our veterans for years to come."

Among the range of services for veterans supported by the Patrick-Murray Administration, Secretary Polanowicz joined veterans and local officials for the grand opening of the Veterans’ Assistance Center at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke earlier this year. The new Veterans’ Assistance Center provides veterans and their family members with information and assistance on eligibility and application for state and federal benefits, disability services, community referrals and interaction with veteran service agents. Those served include residents of the Soldiers’ Home, those using out-patient or dental services, veterans from communities throughout western Massachusetts and veterans returning from conflict overseas. The center is staffed with certified service officers from the Disabled American Veterans Chapters of Holyoke, West Springfield and Agawam and the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Springfield.

In addition to the new Veterans’ Assistance Center at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, the Patrick-Murray Administration, with the support of the state legislature, also authorized $671,000 during FY 2012 to provide 12 additional beds to serve veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Recognizing dental care as a major unmet need for veterans, the Administration also worked with the Home in 2011 to reopen the Holyoke Dental Clinic that now serves veterans throughout western Massachusetts. Additionally, following Governor Patrick’s call in 2012 for a comprehensive plan to address and treat Alzheimer’s disease for patients in Massachusetts, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home has been at the forefront of providing early detection, education and care for veterans and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Patrick-Murray Administration leads the nation in providing for our veterans. In addition to the Governor’s proposed FY 2014 budget and improvements at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, the Administration continues to implement initiatives to support employment assistance and workforce training programs for members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses. Most recently, the Administration announced that all state agencies that oversee professional licensing within the Administration have established guidelines to assist members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses as they prepare and apply for jobs in Massachusetts. In early March, Governor Patrick also signed an executive order to help small businesses owned by disabled veterans increase access to contracts for public projects in the areas of construction, design and goods and services procurement. This executive order also follows the Governor’s authorization of the VALOR Act to provide greater assistance to help veteran-owned small business participate in public projects. In 2011, the Administration launched an aggressive employment campaign aimed to increase the hiring of Massachusetts veterans. Among these initiatives, the Patrick-Murray Administration partnered with major trade associations to encourage them to hire veterans and circulate information on veterans’ benefits.

Over 1,200 Community Facilities to Receive Broadband Access

OTIS – Thursday, April 4, 2013 - Governor Deval Patrick today lit the first section of a new 1,200-mile fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed Internet access to underserved areas of western and central Massachusetts. The event was held at the regional Farmington River Elementary School, one of the facilities to be connected to the MassBroadband 123 network.

“Broadband is essential for Massachusetts to remain competitive,” said Governor Patrick. “Today is a remarkable milestone because now every corner of the Commonwealth will be connected to the educational and economic opportunities everywhere else in the world.”

The MassBroadband 123 network will provide fiber-optic connectivity directly to 1,200 key facilities in more than 120 western and central Massachusetts communities. These Community Anchor Institutions include schools, libraries, municipal buildings and public safety and health care facilities. The section lit up on Thursday runs from Springfield to Sandisfield and includes 51 community institutions. The remaining segments of the MassBroadband 123 network will be powered up in the months ahead.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has been a longtime champion for broadband expansion in unserved and underserved communities to enable residents and businesses to better compete in the 21st century global economy. MassBroadband 123 is a critical component of Governor Patrick's strategy to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure in order to create growth and economic opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.

“By connecting businesses and residents in every part of the state to dependable Internet access, we are investing in the type of infrastructure that will help create economic opportunity for everyone,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “High-speed Internet is another asset to Central and Western Massachusetts, along with a well-educated workforce, great quality of life, and easy access to Boston and New York City, that makes these parts of the Commonwealth attractive to a wide range of industries.”

“Nothing is more important to our future than making sure our students have the education and skills they need to compete and succeed in a digital world,” said CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Pamela Goldberg. “Today, we take the first step in the crucial process of connecting them to that digital world.”

The immediate benefits of providing fiber-optic connectivity to the 1,200 Community Anchor Institutions include:

Opportunities to enhance school curriculums. These opportunities include virtual field trips, access to online content such as videos or podcasts, and the opportunities to learn and use digital technologies such as websites, wikis and blogs.

Greater bandwidth in libraries so that they can meet the increasingly digital needs of local residents. For example, libraries will be able to aid in job searching and training by providing access to job websites and assisting with resume writing and computer skills training. They can assist businesses by being a video conferencing hub and can teach digital literacy to the elderly and disabled.

Improved and enhanced communications by police and fire departments internally, across departments and with the public. With this new network, police stations across the region will have reliable, fast access to the state Criminal Information database, and be prepared for the next generation 911, which will allow reports to come in via voice, text, email and even videos of an emergency situation.

As part of the network’s launch, a Microsoft Skype demonstration connected students at the Farmington River School with students at a Vive Digital center in Bogota, Colombia and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The Colombian students participated through Vive Digital, Colombia’s comprehensive broadband initiative, with Governor Patrick and members of his Administration met with during his February 2013 trade mission to Colombia.

Governor Patrick and the Legislature created the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in the Broadband Act of 2008, providing $40 million in state bond funds to start the process of connecting the unconnected in Western Massachusetts. In 2010, $45.4 million in federal stimulus funding was awarded to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech through the highly-competitive second round of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

“This exciting milestone would not have happened without the support of the Patrick-Murray Administration, the region’s legislative and congressional delegations, the leadership and staff at MassTech and MBI, and terrific industry project partners and community representatives,” said MBI Director Judy Dumont.

"I have fought hard to bring broadband technology to western and central Massachusetts for many years. There is simply no reason why every resident, business and school in the region should not have reliable high speed internet access in 2013. More than one million people will benefit from this important broadband expansion project when it is completed. If we are going to remain competitive in a 21st Century information based economy, high speed internet access will be critical, said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

"Today is the beginning of the end of the digital divide," said State Senator Benjamin Downing. "Five years ago the MBI embraced its mission to bring high speed Internet to the unserved and underserved communities of western Massachusetts and today is delivering real results. Judy and her team should be congratulated, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as we now turn our attention to building the Last Mile network -- and finally connecting every address in the Commonwealth to the Internet -- together."

As the MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network begins to connect community anchor institutions, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute is looking forward to developing public-private solutions that bring broadband directly to more homes and businesses in Western Massachusetts. Governor Patrick recently filed bond legislation that contains $40 million in new funding for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech. The funding is designed to leverage additional investment toward developing last-mile solutions that bring broadband connectivity directly to homes and businesses in 45 underserved western and central Massachusetts communities.

About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech is working to extend affordable high-speed Internet access to all homes, businesses, schools, libraries, medical facilities, government offices, and other public places across the Commonwealth, allowing all regions to participate more fully in the innovation economy. MBI also works to promote broadband usage and adoption by our residents and small businesses. Learn more at http://broadband.masstech.org.

About the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is a public agency working to keep Massachusetts at the forefront of innovation, for the purpose of generating more high-paying jobs, higher productivity, greater economic growth, and improved social welfare. We enhance economic growth, accelerate technology use and adoption, and harness the value of research by engaging in meaningful collaborations across academia, industry, and government. From improving our health care systems and expanding high-speed internet across the state to fostering new and emerging sectors, MassTech is driving innovation and supporting a vibrant economy across the Commonwealth. Learn more at www.masstech.org.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) announced to its members today that the ill-advised Anti-Motorcycle Sound Warrant in the Town of Yarmouth was defeated last night at the Yarmouth Town Meeting. With strong representation from the MMA and area Motorcyclists, the town voted overwhelmingly with the Town Selectmen, Police Chief and Deputy Chief against the ill-advised warrant which would have seen heavy fines for motorcyclists who don't have OEM exhaust on their bikes, even if parked.

Although April Fools' Day is celebrated in many countries with people playing hoaxes on each other, the Warrant being heard in Yarmouth was no joke. It seems that every spring brings out the anti-motorcycle crowd in advance of the riding season. While normally hailed by local merchants, Motorcyclists are held in disdain by a vocal few because of the irresponsible actions of an even smaller minority. In winter, most people have their heavily insulated walls and windows blocking the sound from outside. In spring, those windows open to let in the fresh air and sounds of birds singing. Those same open windows bring the sounds of lawn equipment and vehicles interrupting the reserve of the winter's prison. As the weather warms, more vehicles, including Motorcycles, find the peace of coastal communities a haven. Motorcyclists, especially ride in groups to enjoy the weather and patronize the local shops who welcome them with open arms.

In Yarmouth, there's little exception to the welcoming atmosphere, but as in some other coastal towns, there are a select few who cringe at the thoughts of Motorcycles invading their personal solitude. As in some other towns in prior years, Yarmouth became the latest test case for the anti-Motorcycle crowd who, buoyed by the organized "noise" around the country by anti-motorcycle organizations attempted to portray the EPA Stamp as a panacea for their ill-aimed venom. In this case, Town Warrant Article #36 would have imposed a $300 fine on a Motorcycle if an EPA stamp was not clearly visible, even if parked.

Last Month the MMA consulted with the Yarmouth Chief of Police and Deputy Chief prior to the Selectmen's meeting. At that meeting, the Chief discussed the existing Massachusetts State Law and the realities of the EPA stamp.

The MMA is strongly opposed to the use of the OEM EPA Stamp as an enforcement tool simply because it is a consumer protection mechanism, not meant to be used against the consumer. It is also hard to locate on many models of motorcycle, hidden under seats on sport bikes, under saddle bags of cruisers, or simply facing the wrong way for aesthetic reasons. Most critically, per the very regulation that entitles it, it expires in one year or 3,729 miles, whichever comes first!!

Instead, the MMA continues to hold a firm belief that the existing laws on the books are sufficient if properly implemented and enforced, specifically that simple test procedures do exist for muffled exhaust, whether replaced with after-market or not, with a reasonable sound level. Given that very few complaints have been lodged with the Police Department, one questions whether there is a real problem or not in Yarmouth. Further, that Education, not Legislation, is key to changing the behavior of a select few who either remove their mufflers or rev throttles simply to "sound cool"…

Armed with the facts, the Yarmouth Selectmen voted unanimously against the warrant article which was then heard last night. Many motorcyclists from Yarmouth and border towns waited four and a half hours at the Town Meeting for Article 36, which was the last to be called. After hearing from two residents supporting the proposed bylaw and three against, a Town Meeting Member enacted a procedural motion to suspend additional testimony and “Move the Article” directly to a vote. The motion carried, the vote was taken, and the proposal was soundly defeated with an almost unanimous vote. It was clear to the committee that Yarmouth residents did not support the increased burden to motorcycle riders and the Yarmouth Police Department and that this issue was not worth the expenditure of additional resources.

The MMA thanks the many riders who attended last night's Yarmouth Town Meeting, the Selectmen, Chief, and Deputy Chief for their diligence and support.

Second stop in Municipal Cabinet Series engages municipalities; highlights Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to promote resources for cities and towns

AGAWAM – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today led the second in a series of meetings with the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet to highlight new and innovative developments in state and local government and promote resources and investments in cities and towns.

Since 2007, Lieutenant Governor Murray has chaired over 30 meetings of the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet which has led to significant policy initiatives for communities including the Municipal Partnership Act I and II and regionalization incentive programs. This latest series will feature cabinet secretaries highlighting key investments in each region, providing a forum for local officials to discuss the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to create growth and opportunity by building a 21st century education, innovation and transportation network that will support cities and towns today and in the future.

“During our Administration, these cabinet meetings have successfully engaged local officials as we deliver critical resources and services for municipalities,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “Local government is closest to the people, and we will continue to partner with communities to ensure cities and towns have the resources to grow as we invest in the state’s long-term economic development plan.”

Mayor Richard A. Cohen hosted today’s meeting in Agawam, bringing together local officials from across Western Massachusetts. Building on a long record of collaboration with local leaders, Lieutenant Governor Murray launched the series of meetings with the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet on March 26th in Taunton. The tour will continue with three more meetings over the next two months in Peabody, Marshfield and Buckland.

"We are happy to host the Lieutenant Governor in Agawam for the Municipal Cabinet meeting,” said Mayor Cohen. “We are fortunate to be able to meet and discuss issues important to the western Massachusetts region."

In January, Governor Patrick unveiled a budget proposal that includes new investments in education and transportation, investments that have proven to create new jobs and economic opportunities. The Governor’s plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more affordable for all students in Massachusetts.

“Through targeted and fiscally responsible investments we can improve our infrastructure, provide educational opportunity across the Commonwealth and support the continued growth of our innovation economy,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor. “I look forward to speaking with our stakeholders in municipal government about the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to foster new economic activity across the state.”

“A safe, reliable transportation system is vital for the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth, and we are making targeted investments in every region to help ensure that our economy is strong,” said Richard A. Davey, Secretary and CEO, MassDOT. “I look forward to sharing ideas about targeted transportation investments in this forum and working together so that our communities have the service they need.”

“This opportunity to speak directly with residents of the Commonwealth is one I’m especially looking forward to,” said Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. “We have presented a bold plan aimed at increasing access to quality programs for students entering pre-kindergarten all the way through college. These cabinet meetings will help our neighbors across Massachusetts get a better understanding of our plan and the possibilities it presents.”

In addition to the first meeting held on March 26th in Taunton hosted by Mayor Hoye, the schedule includes the following meetings:

AGAWAM (Hosted by Mayor Richard Cohen)

Thursday, April 4th at 11:30am – Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St.

Thursday, May 23rd at 2:00pm – Town Hall, 17 State Street, Shelburne Falls

These public meetings will engage municipal managers, local planners and residents interested in discussing regionalizing local services and other policy to strengthen the partnership between governments. To learn more about the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet or for additional information or updates on these meetings, visit www.mass.gov/governor/municabinet. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan, visit www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth